32892 by MetroFamily Magazine

MARCH 2010

Easy

baby steps

to becoming a greener family Get ready for

Spring Break

Over 50 ideas for family fun

8 diet traps

for new moms (and how to avoid them)

KFOR's

Meg Alexander talks motherhood

Tickets available NOW for MetroFamily's Parent University on March 30th. Learn about raising grateful kids in an entitled world! Details on page 24. T h e E s sent i a l Reso u rce fo r Cent ra l O k l a h o m a F a m i l i es

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An Exceptional Education A Classical Christian school using a blended model of home and classroom instruction. Enrollment for Fall 2010 for Grades Pre-Kindergarten through 11 begins March 1. To learn more about Veritas Classical Academy, call us at: (405) 644-4280 (405) 644-4281 (405) 644-4283 (405) 644-4283

Main School Number Grammar School Office Upper School Office Admissions

Our mailing address is: Veritas Classical Academy P.O. Box 720426 Norman, OK 73070 Email us at: admissions@veritasnorman.org Or visit us at: www.veritasnorman.org

SUMMER

MUSIC CAMPS June Flute Camp June 7-10 Open to grades 6-8. Daily master classes, music theory, flute choir and performance opportunities. Guitar Workshop June 8-10 Open to all ages. For moderately experienced guitarists. Daily classes in basic chords and scale instruction and how they fit together to produce various musical styles. 9th Annual Modern Recording Technology Workshop June 14-17 Open to high school and college students. Learn the concepts involved in audio recording and participate in the recording process in the roles of engineer, producer and musician.

July Keyboard Ensemble Technology Seminar (KETS) 9 June 17-24 Open to piano teachers, music educators, worship musicians and Clavinova users with daily sessions on Yamaha instruments including piano teaching strategies, ensemble rehearsals, clavinova and YPG techKNOW. PianOKC June 28-30 Ensemble camp open to high school students. Competition and performance opportunities as well as master classes and rehearsals on Yamaha Clavinovas.

Strings Camp July 5-9 (Auditions May 22 and July 3rd) Open to students ages 9 to high school. Features daily ensemble, small group and individual performance technique. Young musicians, intermediate and advanced tracks available. Summer Choral Institute July 13-17 (Auditions held in April) Open to all high school students, except seniors. Invited students receive a scholarship and spend a week at UCO in master classes, rehearsals and performance.

Contact Ines Burnham â&#x20AC;˘ iburnham@uco.edu â&#x20AC;˘ www.ocae.net March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Imagine... reaching heights no one ever expected.

The Top Five Reasons

to visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com this month: blog by 5 Register for MetroFamily’s fabulous 2 Check out the NEW Parent University event on March Rebecca Gass that highlights 30 featuring Dawn Billings speaking on “Don’t Feed the Gimme Monster: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World.” MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ Parent-University

local non-profits, their service to families and how your family can help the cause. MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ nonprofit-spotlight

our many contests, Enter our special contests! You 4 Enter including one for a night away at a 1 could win a Thunder ticket package, local B&B. MetroFamilyMagazine. com/Contests

Read our March web-only articles. 3 Among others, learn why honesty is not always the best policy with your kids. MetroFamilyMagazine. com/March-2010

a family four-pack to the upcoming production of “Sleeping Beauty” by Tulsa Ballet and over $500 in family products. MetroFamilyMagazine.com/contests

Great things are possible when your child has the skills to succeed on her own. Kumon Math and Reading uses a proven method to nurture achievement and help your child perform beyond expectations.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Visit the award-winning MetroFamilyMagazine.com

March 2010

Spring Is Here! 33 Calendar

Events and activities

6 Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

30 Dear Teacher

Advice from education experts

8 Exploring Oklahoma Dive into the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks

16 Family Finances

Avoiding investor fraud

10 Family Shorts Seems like Spring would never arrive but now that it has, celebrate with practical tips for going green, getting fit, eating right and enjoying Spring Break week.

Community news and parenting resources

22 Let’s Eat: Review The Old School Bagel Café

14 News You Can Use: KFOR

Talking motherhood with newsanchor Meg Alexander

28 Oklahoma Reads Book reviews

42 The Alert Parent

For many moms, dropping those pregnancy pounds is an exercise laden with pitfalls. Learn how to overcome common diet traps.

Parenting expert Dawn Billings gives the inside scoop on entitlement issues—and why you need to attend MetroFamily Magazine's Parent University on the topic!

How to help your child be socially savvy

18 Your Healthy Family Childhood obesity (part 1): The importance of deliberate parental involvement to combat the epidemic

On our cover and above: Paityn Leigh, born January 22, 2010 to Josh & Amber Koehn of Hennessey. Cover Photography by Dgalleries x www.dgalleries.net

March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Dear MetroFamily, Recently, while I was going through one of several boxes that were crammed in the back of my most crowded closet, I came across a treasure trove of old photos. While I had intended to clear the closet this day (part of my organization resolution), I hate to say that I didn’t get very far after finding these boxes; I got lost in my own past when I found a stack of forgotten baby pictures. In the flurry of my own crazy life—filled with work, kids, friends and more work—it has been easy to lose touch with my past, my own childhood. Memories came back as I remembered the different times and places depicted in the photos. I find that I don’t remember everything from my childhood, but the things I do remember are little things like the kitchen Me as a baby, a very, very long time ago. wallpaper, the smell of the backyard after it rained, doing chores with my siblings, simple things that still make me smile. The things that I want my kids to remember too. I have a quote taped on my refrigerator that says “Life is short but childhood is shorter; feed it well.” Seeing these pictures reminded me that my most important job as a parent is to nourish my children’s childhood, something that I intend to work on this year. Cheers,

Info And Questions: 405-340-1404 To submit events to our calendar Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Publisher Sarah L. Taylor Sarah@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing Editor@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Art Director Mitzi Massie Mitzi@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Advertising Sales Athena Delce Dana Price Donna Stewart Ads@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty Kathy@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Marketing Specialist Whitney Fleming Assistant Editor & Calendar Brooke Barnett Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Editorial Assistants Elizabeth Harvey & Sherrie Horton

• Learn how to raise grateful, giving kids from the nation's entitlement expert, Dawn Billings, at MetroFamily’s Parent University on Tuesday, March 30. Billings will present a lively workshop entitled “Don’t Feed the Gimme Monster: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World,” providing tips that can immediately put into practice to help you raise kids who seek to be great. This informative event will take place at Science Museum Oklahoma from 6:30-9pm (registration starts at 5:45) and is geared to parents of toddlers through teens, counselors, teachers and family advocates. Find out more details, including how to get tickets, on pages 24-25 and at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/Parent-University. Our sincere appreciation to our sponsor, Providence Hall Classical School in OKC. • MetroFamily is gearing up for the 5th annual Summer Adventure EXPO to be held April 18, noon to 5pm, at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown. This FREE event is designed to help parents find educational and entertaining activities for their family during the summer. Booth space at this premiere family event is limited and may be secured by calling 405-340-1404 or going to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/oklahoma-summer-adventure-expo. • Contests are blooming at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/contests. Check the page often to enter for fabulous prizes. • Our April issue is all about Summer Camps and Activities and has proven a godsend to parents year after year. Ad space reservation is March 18 and advertisers receive a FREE LISTING in our guide. The issue distributes April 2. Call today to find out more about reaching our loyal readers; they are looking for YOUR BUSINESS. • Join us at Twitter.com/metrofamily and Facebook.com/metrofamily for more local parenting info, exclusive contests and giveaways.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett Peggy Gisler Julie Dill Sandra Gordon Marge Eberts Karen Mitchell Allyn Evans Annie Nashert Mari Farthing Sue Lynn Sasser Shannon Fields Meika Yates-Hines Contributing Photographer Aimee Adams (AimeeAdamsPhotography.com) Circulation 35,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon Also available as a digital edition at MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly By Inprint Publishing, Inc. 306 S. Bryant, Suite C152 • Edmond, OK 73034 Fax: 405-340-1490 E-mail: Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2010, All Rights Reserved. Volume 13, Number 3

March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Exploring Oklahoma The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks

ome of our earth’s most unique and interesting surprises reside within the depths of our lakes and oceans. We may never get a chance to appreciate these creatures if not for the passion and care that marine biologists take to ensure their survival and our knowledge of them.

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks is one such learning environment. For example, have you ever heard the voltage of an electric eel stunning its prey? Have you seen how hungry, toothy piranhas devour their victims? Or, have you ever seen the comical sight of the archerfish shooting its buggy prey from under the water with mouthy water spouts? With nearly 200 interactive exhibits, the Oklahoma Aquarium is an educational treat for children and adults of all ages. In addition to the self-guided exhibits, onsite aquarium staff is eager to explain and demonstrate facts about our aquatic neighbors. My family and I took a recent trip. Here are just a very few of the many amazing facts

we learned. Test your knowledge.

Some Weird But True Aquatic Facts Did you know that horseshoe crabs have blue blood? Or, were you aware that an eight foot octopus can fit through a hole the size of a quarter? How about the fact that an electric eel can generate a charge of 650 volts of electricity to stun aggressors or prey? One of my favorite, yet unexpected facts pertains to the clownfish, the cute orange and white fish made famous in the movie Finding Nemo. Known as a protandric, the clownfish starts life as a male, but when a female in the group dies or is removed, the largest male changes to a female—weird, huh?

The Exhibits On Monday and Thursday afternoons at 1:30pm visitors get an up-close encounter

Shrimp Boat in the Biodiversity exhibit, Oklahoma Aquarium

with large feeding bull sharks from an underwater tunnel at the Ray and Robin Siegfried Families Shark Adventure. If “touchy and feely” is for you, the handson exhibits like the new Shrimp Boat in the Biodiversity exhibit or the feeding and touch tanks in the Oceans Room allow visitors to feed and touch stingrays, sharks, turtles, sea urchins, starfish and horseshoe crabs.

Good for your baby, Good for the planet, Good for your pocketbook

specializing in innovative reusable diapers and other baby products that are fun, functional & earth-friendly

On Sale March 12th!

NOW OPEN

April 8-10 • Civic Center Music Hall

TICKETS (800) 869-1451 • 297-2264 • CelebrityAttractions.com Groups of 12 or more receive a discount, call (800) 869-1451 ext.220

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Monday-Saturday, 10-5 5113 N Shartel Ave • OKC

405-848-2330

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Other exhibits include Adaptation, Fishes of Oklahoma, the Hayes Family Ozark Stream, Coral Reef, Marvels and Mysteries and the Karl White National Fishing Tackle Museum.

Food and Gifts Corkie’s Deli, located on the property, offers a casual, comfortable setting to fill grumbling tummies (including outdoor riverfront dining, weather permitting). Menu items include a variety of sandwiches, wraps, cookies and more.

Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks, OK 74037

• Open 10:00am-6:00pm, Until 9:00pm on Tuesdays (Closed Christmas Day) • Children under three admitted free; youth-$9.95; seniors and military-$11.95; adults-$13.95 • 918-296-FISH or OKAquarium.org

The Aquarium Gift shop has a large assortment of cute aquatic-themed art, toys, shirts, and disposable cameras for your takehome souvenirs.

tulsaballetinokc

Interactive, Educational Fun

OKC Civic Center Music Hall

So, why do horseshoe crabs have blue blood? How does the United States Federal Drug Administration use this blue blood? How does an eight foot octopus fit through a quarter-sized hole? A trip to the Oklahoma Aquarium is a much more exciting—and memorable—way to find out the answers than an Internet search, so plan a visit soon, maybe even during Spring Break week.

April 2, 2010 @ 7 pm April 3, 2010 @ 2 pm

Choreography: Marcello Angelini after Marius Petipa Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Accompanied by Tulsa Symphony Orchestra

TICKETS BEGIN AT ONLY $15 To purchase tickets call (800) 364-7111 or visit www.tulsaballet.org On sale at all Civic Center Box Office Locations

Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, lives in Edmond with her husband, Mark, teenage son, Ryan, and one spoiled Welsh Corgi. Daughter, Megan, attends OSU in Stillwater.

Marcello Angelini, George Kaiser Family Foundation Artisitic Director

PROVIDENCE HALL Classical Christian Education

Serving award-winning breakfasts and lunches since 1980

You are invited to our

Open House • March 25th 10am • April 15th 10am

11 convenient Metro locations! www.JimmysEgg.com

WWW.PROVIDENCEHALL.ORG 1120 E. Hefner Road Oklahoma City, OK 73131-1600 405.478.2077

March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Get Wild!

Mercy NICU Improvements

More than 70 years ago, the first Often not much bigger than a pint of milk, many premature babies today in National Wildlife Week observance the U.S. get a chance at a normal life thanks to major advances in technology took place. How the world has changed! over the past 30 years. While back then, children spent much “I weighed two pounds and seven ounces when I was born and my parents of their leisure time outdoors running had to dress me in doll clothes,” said Heather Fuhr, today a nurse at Mercy’s and climbing trees, today it’s estimated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “No one made clothes that tiny back in that our children spend only an average 1981. I was born at 27 weeks—three of 4-7 minutes outside each day—but months early. My chances of survival 100 times that on electronic media! were very slim. Now because of “We’re raising a generation of indoor technology, babies born at 24 weeks children who are missing out on the are much more likely to live.” simple joys found in nature,” says Not only do premature babies survive Rebecca Garland, Executive Director but many thrive because of NICU of the National Wildlife Federation’s facilities like the one at Mercy. A Be Out There movement. “Our kids brand new 42-bed NICU includes need to know why they call it the great privacy to allow family members to outdoors.” sleep through the night beside their This year’s National Wildlife Week newborns. observance is being held March 15-21 “Studies have shown that premature (just in time for Spring Break), and babies have a better chance if they can parents can download a customized hear mom or dad’s voice and feel their Family Activity Passport with touch,” said Michele McEver, manager ideas for spending time with your of Mercy’s NICU and a member of the children in nature. Visit the National neonatal team since 1979. Wildlife Week website (NWF.org/ WildLifeWeek) to download the Learn more about Mercy, their NICU Mercy NICU nurse Heather Fuhr cares passport and find other fun ideas. and the programs offered at their for a NICU patient. website, MercyOK.net.

We Asked: You Answered

The New MFM Question of the Month Are you sending your children to day or overnight camp this summer? To enter, visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ FS-Giveaway and complete the entry form. By doing so, you’ll be eligible to win a prize package valued over $550 Deadline is Thursday, March 25. Your comments may also be included in the March issue of MetroFamily. The winning entry will receive a prize package that is fully described on our website at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ FS-Giveaway. * Winner agrees to pick up items from NW OKC area. 10

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Last month, we asked: How does your family try to be eco-friendly? The 85 readers who responded (by February 18) had answers. According to the survey responses (see chart), most of you have made small changes to your home life. Most readers fell into the area of small, bigger or large changes; just one reader each reported making no changes and being eco-friendly already; the other category logged two entries. Here’s what you had to say: •

22% 69%

“I’ve started line drying laundry when it is 50° or warmer. In addition, I’ve started making my own laundry detergent which is surprisingly easy, much more affordable, Small Changes and just as effective. It is better for the city's water supply because [it] is free of Bigger Changes harsh chemicals.” - Juliana D., OKC • “We have a rain collection barrel, and use Large Changes the water for our patio plants and trees Three Catagories (we grow fruits and herbs). We keep the (No Changes, thermostat on 68° in the winter and 78° in Eco-Friendly Already, the summer. We recycle EVERYTHING!” and Other) - Amanda D., Edmond • “Changing light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs and trying to keep heating and cooling down, using more light from windows on sunny days and also trying to reuse things instead of just throwing things away.” - Jennifer R., Yukon • “We have made small changes such as energy saving light bulbs and reusable shopping bags. We also use cloth diapers and have replaced windows in our home to help with better energy efficiency.” - Lacey S., OKC See all reader responses on our website, MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ March-2010.

Particularly Preschool By Julie Dill

The time has come…Your precious baby is ready for school. But are you?

There are many things to consider when looking for the ideal preschool. The most important thing to remember is that your child is unique, and no one knows her better than you do. What may be ideal for some may not be the best for others. When shopping for a sofa, you may visit many stores before making a final purchase. Do the same before making the very important decision concerning your child’s early experiences with school.

Character Corner: Patience Having patience means having the ability to accept a difficult situation without rushing to get through it. It’s an important character trait for parents to have when interacting with children, and the reward of patience is maturity (measured in the ability to wait for reward after achievement) and hope (the anticipation of good things to come). You can promote patience in your home by:

As you make these visits, consider the following: • Safety/Cleanliness. Do all areas that your child may be visiting (playground, classrooms, common areas) appear to be safe? • Teacher/Student Ratio. How many students are in each class? Do teachers team teach? • Teacher Experience/Certification. How qualified are the teachers? • Curriculum/Skills. Is there a specific list of developmentally appropriate skills that are taught? Will your child be taught skills that will prepare her for Kindergarten? Will you be kept informed of her progress? • Daily Schedule. How many days a week will she spend at school? Does the daily schedule include a nap? Will she be given lots of hands-on learning experiences? • Tuition/Fees. What is the cost? Is tuition paid monthly or annually? Are there enrollment fees? Supply fees? Don’t be shy; ask these questions and more when choosing your school. You are your child’s number one advocate. Set your child up for success, and build the bridge between home and school at a young age. Having positive early school experiences will be a crucial step in their educational journey.

• Approaching difficult situations as opportunities to build good character. • Being willing to make the most with what you have and give up wants if they do not serve the family as a whole. • Encouraging children to complete homework with diligence, even if it is difficult or unpleasant. Encourage patience in your home by committing to the following statements. Say these “I will” statements aloud with your children, and encourage them to apply them to situations in their everyday life. I will: ... wait my turn. ... make the most of my spare time. ... not interrupt. ... accept what I cannot change. ... not complain if I don’t get my way. Contact Character First! for more character-building resources. 405-815-0001, CharacterFirst.com.

Opening Soon: The New Children’s Zoo Area The wait for the new Children’s Zoo Area at the Oklahoma City Zoo is finally nearing an end—the new 2.5 acre area provides children a place to immerse themselves in nature. The $8.3 million construction was funded by a 1/8¢ sales tax approved in 1990 plus Oklahoma Zoological Society donations.

The Grand Opening is planned for March 12. Highlights of the new exhibit include: • Kid-sized and adult-sized entrances. • Interactive hands-on barnyard featuring unusual barnyard animals (including miniature donkeys and rare breeds of chicken and rabbit). • A splashy water feature with waterfall, flamingos and a koi pond. • A forested climbing area. • An “underground” area to explore animals who live below the surface (including species of tarantula and scorpion).

• The popular and newly-updated Explorikeet Adventure. • Spider and squirrel monkeys. • The Gathering Meadow (to play or picnic), overlooked by Grandma’s Porch (a shady spot to visit and enjoy educational Zoo programs. Don’t miss the Zoo’s Grin and Win Photo Safari Contest, held March 8 through April 16. Visit a Photo Safari Station around town to get a party pic of your body superimposed onto an animal. Email it to the Zoo to be randomly selected for daily and weekly prizes (valued at over $50 each). Five children will also win the opportunity to be the Children’s Zoo “Director for the Day,” and one winner will win the grand prize—a Rainbow Play Set provided by Statuary World. Find details at the zoo's website. The Oklahoma City Zoo is located at 2101 NE 50th Street. For more information, call 405-4243344 or visit OKCZoo.com.

Lorikeets, Nigerian dwarf goats and Guinea hogs. Photos courtesy of Oklahoma City Zoo.

March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Pregnancy & Dental Health Tips courtesy of Dear Doctor.

When you’re thinking about conceiving, you visit your OBGYN and general practitioner. But be sure to make a stop at your dentist’s office as well! Progesterone, a hormone that spikes during pregnancy, stimulates the production of prostaglandins, which can cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the gum tissues and lead to gum disease. Recent studies have suggested that oral bacteria associated with gum disease and their by-products have the ability to cross the placenta. Passage of these bacterial products can affect the developing baby by stimulating an inflammatory response in the mother, which may ultimately result in preterm delivery—birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy—which is also associated with low birth weight.

If dental problems do arise during pregnancy, follow this advice: Regular dental care (a filling or crown) is best scheduled in the second trimester. Elective dental care should wait until after the baby's birth. What about mom’s fluoride intake? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) does not support the use of fluoride supplements for pregnant women. When fluoride levels in community water supplies are suboptimal (below 0.7–1.20 part per million) and after consideration of other sources of dietary fluoride, the AAPD endorses children receiving age-appropriate fluoride supplements. For more information on prenatal dental care, visit DearDoctor.com.

Educare Oklahoma

Be Smart–Don’t Start!

Money matters when it comes to education. Studies have shown that children as young as 18 months from low-income families are not reaching their potential in areas such as language, literacy, social-emotional development and school readiness. These benchmarks are an indicator for success in school—and in life.

As adults, we've heard the statistics about smoking and the harm it causes our bodies—and those statistics are frightening. For example, of the more than 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke (including formaldehyde, butane, arsenic, ammonia, acetone, carbon monoxide and cadmium), two hundred of them are poisons, and 43 of the chemicals cause cancer.

Educare childcare and preschool programs address the need to narrow the student achievement gap for students in high-risk communities. So, what is Educare? • A partnership between the private and public sectors to create a high-quality program that addresses the educational needs of children from birth to age five. • A place that nurtures early learning and underscores that an investment must be made in early childhood learning. • A program to prepare young children for school, creating children who are eager to learn. • A platform for change in education. There are eight Educare schools in the country, one of which is in Oklahoma City. The schools are part of the BOUNCE Learning Network, which is committed to serving the educational needs of at-risk children. Funding for the program comes in large part from the Inasmuch Foundation, which is "dedicated to the betterment of people, communities and the neighborhoods in which we live." Learn more about Educare in Oklahoma City at OKCEducare.org.

With the decision to never start smoking often coming in the formative years, it's important that children are exposed to the dangers of smoking and be encouraged to make the wise decision to never start. BlueCross BlueShield Oklahoma invites students in grades Kindergarten-5 to participate in the Be Smart—Don’t Start! anti-tobacco drawing and writing contest. First, second and third place winners will be selected in three age brackets, and will be awarded prizes of $75, $50 and $25, respectively. The two grand prize winners will win $100 and their entries will be included in a 30-second commercial distributed across the state. All winners, along with their parents and teachers, will be invited to an awards celebration at the State Capitol. Plus, teachers of the winning students will receive a gift certificate for classroom supplies. Entries will be accepted through March 26. Call 866-876-4376 or visit bcbsok.com/ dontstart.html to learn more.

Run the 2010 Redbud with MetroFamily Continuing its 28-year tradition of promoting fitness and fun for the entire family, the 2010 Redbud Classic will be held April 10 and 11. The Redbud also promotes philanthropy; each year, donations are made to a local non-profit agency. The 2010 beneficiary is Safe Kids Oklahoma. Established in 1989, Safe Kids Oklahoma is the only local non-profit solely devoted to the prevention of unintentional injuries in children. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children under 14.

MetroFamily editor, Mari Farthing, runs the 5K at the 2009 Redbud Classic 12

The 2010 Redbud Classic includes a variety of events held on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday includes a one-mile children’s run and 10-, 33- and 52-mile bike tours. A pancake breakfast is scheduled to take place following the cycling event, and the

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

traditional Pasta on the Pond held Saturday at 4:30pm at Waterford Pond gives runners the opportunity to load up on carbs prior to Sunday’s events. The 5K and 10K runs, 5K wheelchair event, 2 mile walk and baby stroller event will be held Sunday. The MetroFamily Magazine Iron Moms will participate in the Redbud Classic this year. If you are interested in joining us, please visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ Iron-Moms to learn more. Redbud event registration may be completed online, in person (10:00am-6:00pm daily; 6427 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills Plaza) or by mail. Fees vary by event. A full listing of event details including start times, course maps and registration information may be found at Redbud.org.

Problem-Solving National Poison Prevention Week Unintentional poisonings happen fast. In 2009, the Oklahoma Poison Control Center Products received over 53,000 calls, over half of When we hear about new or helpful products, we like to let our readers know! Here are a few of the interesting items we’ve recently found. Visit the product website for a list of local retailers.

Problem:

Pushing a heavy stroller is impossible with one hand. Can we get an extra hand, please?

Solution:

The EasyStroll ($29.99) easily attaches to virtually any stroller handle to make navigation a cinch. (EasyStroll.com)

Problem:

Your baby finds bath time less than relaxing.

Solution:

TummyTubs ($44.95) gives baby a bath that is closer to their positioning in the womb, which eases any baby anxiety. (bathedwithlove.com)

Problem:

That sippy cup is okay, but the straw has seen better days.

Solution:

The Sippy Straw Cleaner ($3.98/2 pack) is a slim brush that slides easily into sippy straws and other hard-to-reach places to clean where other tools cannot. (StrawCleaner.com)

Problem:

Baby crawls faster than you are able to track her!

Solution:

BumbleBells ($45) are both a lovely sterling silver ankle bracelet and a softly jingling bell that always announces your baby’s whereabouts. (BumbleBells.com)

Problem:

which involved children under age six. Pharmacists and registered nurses at the poison center are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Poison Control website has information for children, including downloadable activity sheets and online games. A Poster Contest, held in conjunction with National Poison Prevention Week, has featured national winners from Oklahoma, including the 2009 First Place younger division winner, Brook Langford of Elgin Elementary in Lawton. The 2010 winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony at the State Capitol on March 25 at 10:50am. Certificates will be awarded to the winners by Lt Governor Jeri Askins. After the event, winners, families and special guests will return to the Oklahoma Poison Control Center for a pizza party, where they will be honored. The Poison Helpline may be reached at 800-222-1222, and more information may be found at the Poison Control website, OklahomaPoison.org.

Workout Tips for Moms Nothing changes a woman's body quite like having a baby, and virtually every woman can benefit from exercising during pregnancy and after.

Prenatal Workout Tips: • • • • •

You’ve made the baby food. Now what to do with it?

Solution:

Innobaby food storage containers ($7 and up) are portion-sized reusable glass or plastic containers that make storing baby’s food and snacks child’s play. (InnoBaby.com)

Find more baby product reviews on our website: MetroFamilyMagazine.com/BabyProducts-2010.

The poster by 2009 First Place younger division winner, Brook Langford of Elgin Elementary in Lawton.

•

Check with your doctor. Every pregnancy is different, so follow your doctor’s advice and listen to your body. Regular exercise is important to good health, so try to keep a routine that works for you and your body. Weight workouts may need to be modified to include lighter weights and higher reps. A stationary or spin bike can be more comfortable than other cardio equipment during pregnancy. Pregnancy changes what is “normal” in your body. Try basic balancing exercises by standing on one leg and holding your position for 30 seconds, switch legs, and repeat. If performing exercises on your back, be sure to periodically sit or stand up and move around between sets. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, slowly roll to your left side and stand up to increase circulation right away. Modify squats by placing a ball behind your back against the wall and squatting; this will ensure proper form and will help protect the lower back.

Postnatal Workout Tips:

• Again, check with your doctor to get clearance before you start any exercise program. • Remember to ease back into it gradually but consistently to build endurance and strength. • Ten-minute circuits are a good way to reintroduce exercise after a break (and a good way to minimize boredom). Include cardio, squats, lunges, abs, and weights for the upper body. Work every muscle group with lots of ab work and two to three minute cardio bursts in between sets. • It takes time to lose baby weight, so try to be patient with yourself as you adjust to the demands of motherhood. • Focus on health rather than getting to your pre-baby fitness level. • Taking the baby for walks counts as exercise, and adding 10-15 minutes to your daily route will add up. • If you don’t have time for a full workout, try to squeeze in little bits of exercise when you can at home. Crunches, leg raises, squats, lunges and push-ups are great exercises you can do anywhere! Tips courtesy of personal trainer and nutrition counselor Lisa Corsello, who has recently developed the “Burn” training system (BurnSF.com).

March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

News You Can Use: KFOR Motherhood Musings from Meg

or the past 13 years, KFOR anchor Meg Alexander has worn many hats: investigative reporter, evening news anchor and award-winning journalist. For countless reports, breaking news stories, and her own “Good Question” and “Tough Jobs” segments, Meg has shown that she is no stranger to getting the job done. But perhaps the most challenging assignment she’s covered during her time in Oklahoma? Becoming a mother of three.

With a rigorous schedule that often requires unusual work hours, Meg shares that life in her household is all about communication, organization, the self-timer on the oven and (gasp!) scheduled relaxation. Here is a quick Q&A with this busy mom, where she offers musings on motherhood for other MetroFamily moms. Q. How did you come to be where you are? A. I never actually planned on being a news anchor. After graduating from college in Colorado, I was accepted to law school. I decided to postpone going to law school for a year while I worked in theater in Aspen. It was a great opportunity for soul

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searching and I realized that I didn’t want to spend my life in a law library. During my time in graduate school at Northwestern University, TV journalism became my focus and I just never looked back. Journalism is second nature to me, it feeds my natural curiosity. That year off allowed me to explore my options and make decisions about what I wanted to be. I am so lucky that I am able to mesh together all the things I love to do, so my work doesn’t even feel like work! Q. Tell us about your family. A. I have an eight-year-old son, my middle daughter is in Kindergarten and my youngest daughter just turned four. My husband and I have been married for eleven years. He is a very “hands-on” father and he does everything he can to help with the kids when my work schedule requires me to work crazy hours. He travels a lot for his job, so we are facing many of the same things that other families do—juggling car pools, homework and getting three kids to all their activities. Q. What makes it possible to juggle all this? A. For us, it’s all about being organized. I sit down every Monday morning and make a master schedule for the whole family. Without that, nothing would ever happen. It lines out who is taking who where and is very fine-tuned, literally down to the minute!

KFOR NewsChannel 4 newsanchor, Meg Alexander, with her three children.

to use the self-timer on my oven—and it is absolutely my best friend. I also try to find time to exercise a few minutes every day. It makes a huge difference in how I feel, even if it’s just a few minutes on the treadmill or a few sit-ups. I’ve also been known to do push-ups behind the anchor desk just to get my energy flowing. It’s kind of a joke around the station! Q. How do you keep your sanity on those weeks when everything is busy?

Communication is also a key factor. Since we don’t have a lot of relatives in town, we have to be very self-sufficient and we have a babysitter to help fill in the gaps. We all have to know what the others are doing and where we each come into play.

A. As a working mom, I’ve had to learn that sometimes I simply can’t do it all. That’s something I’ve had to accept and not beat myself up about it. We just have to be confident that we are doing everything for our kids and what we do is enough. Some days, you just have to cut some corners, but just remind yourself that it’s all good!

Lastly, it’s all about discipline. Sticking to the plans that you’ve made and making things work. I make dinner in the mornings before I go to work, in order to make the evenings go smoother. One thing I learned from my mother was

A. The hardest thing I see when I am covering stories is the lack of time, especially when both parents are

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Q. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Oklahoma families today?

HERITAGE HALL working. It’s that struggle to be sure you are spending quality time together every day. I think one of the lost treasures of the American family is sitting down together for meals. We try to do that as much as possible each week. One thing to remember is that the meal doesn’t have to be anything fancy or major—it’s really about those few stolen moments together to reconnect.

education for the 21stcentury ...

Q. What words of advice do you have for other mothers? A. First and foremost, take time for yourself. Since we are so busy taking care of everyone else, we tend to not take care of ourselves like we should. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes, do something you enjoy every day.

Second, remember that nothing is more important than family. When you are having a stressful day or are under a lot of pressure, make yourself stop and put what’s important at the top again. Look at your child and remember that we work to live, not live to work.

Third, schedule your relaxation just like you do your tasks. Every Sunday night in our house, all work stops and we just take time to relax together. Just a few hours of doing nothing together is a great way to recharge your batteries and it’s good for your marriage, too.

We all have our issues. Parenting is really hard—it’s even harder than breaking news or tornado coverage! I know my personal challenge is to be less critical of my kids. I have to step back and realize when I’m being too hard on them. I’m always working on that—oh, and I’m still trying to figure out how to make my laundry smell as good as other mothers!

For more on Meg, tune in to NewsChannel 4’s 5:00pm and 6:30pm broadcasts, or follow her at @newsmommy on Twitter. Also, join Meg as she introduces the speaker at MetroFamily’s Parent University, held Tuesday March 30 at Science Museum Oklahoma. Learn more on page 24. Tickets are available now at MetroFamilyMagazine. com/Parent-University.

Assistant Editor Brooke Barnett lives in Norman with her husband and two young children.

1800 NORTHWEST 122ND STREET OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73120 • 405.749.3002

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Family Finances Protecting Yourself from Investor Fraud

ou’ve heard the old adage before: If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

This advice is especially appropriate for recognizing potential investment schemes. With the downturn in the economy and a slowly recovering stock market, some people are looking for a quick trick to make a few dollars—often at your expense.

One of the best ways to safeguard against investment fraud is relying on a qualified investment advisor. However, just because someone is a licensed professional does not guarantee they will use ethical practices when dealing with an investor’s money. Investor claims of wrongdoing against investment advisors have jumped 71% since 2008, with 4,481 cases filed in the first six months of 2009, compared with 2,614 cases filed in 2008, according to a recent report from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Being aware of the potential for investment fraud and knowing how to recognize it may save you thousands of dollars and millions of heartaches. Like anything else, there are

no guarantees but taking some precautions will reduce the potential of falling victim to investment schemes that can wreck your family’s finances. Following are a few suggestions to help protect your family and yourself: •

Investigate before you invest. A recent survey conducted by the Investor Protection Trust shows the vast majority of people using a financial advisor never checked to see if their advisor was reputable. One source of information is BrokerCheck (FINRA.org/BrokerCheck). This free online tool provides information on the professional backgrounds of current and former FINRA-registered brokerage firms and brokers. It includes a summary of their professional background, registration/license status, and the behavior of registered firms and individual brokers. More specifically, it contains information on employment, terminations, registrations, criminal events, regulatory actions, revocations or suspensions, civil judicial actions, civil proceedings, pending investigations, written consumerinitiated complaints, arbitration, bonding, unsatisfied judgments and liens, and bankruptcy. As evidenced in several of the recent notable schemes, simply relying on friends, colleagues or family members is not enough. Taking a few minutes of your time to check out those references will provide greater confidence that you are working with a competent, honest advisor. • Protect your signature. Avoid giving your financial advisor a power of attorney or any other legal authority to sign for your money or your investment. Also, avoid signing any blank or partially completed document related to your personal business. Even if

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

you think you made an agreement about what will happen, it will be very difficult to protect yourself if and when problems arise. Furthermore, avoid signing anything you do not fully understand. Remember, it is your money and your responsibility—so ask for clarification from your investment broker or other qualified advisor before signing. Once you sign on the dotted line, be sure to get copies of all signed documents immediately upon signing them. Retain those copies in a safe place for future reference. If you have been defrauded, you will need those original documents to compare with forged statements or agreements. • Review your statements. All statements for your accounts should be mailed directly to you, not your investment advisor. While your advisor may receive copies of the forms, you should have the originals for your files for future protection. Be sure to review each statement upon receipt to check for potential errors or problems. Reputable advisors and brokers will welcome your questions and concerns, so ask if anything looks different from what you expected. • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with any behaviors or practices shown by your advisor, get a new advisor. The most important factor in using a financial advisor is the level of trust between you and your advisor. Unfortunately, the majority of investors today fail to take these basic steps or secondguess any matters related to their financial future. Taking charge of your investments and your relationship with a financial advisor reduces the risk of someone else taking your money. It is risky business to deal with someone who is not committed to putting your interests first.

Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, is an associate professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Learn more at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ family-finances

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Small Changes Add Up to a Big Impact We live in what seems to be a “throw-away” society, where consumption is king. Waste is so easily out of sight and out of mind. But a growing number of Americans—including many locally—are adopting a “green” philosophy, striving to take better care of resources by reducing, reusing and recycling where possible. The most effective thing that we can do to help ensure a healthier planet for our children is to make the choice to actively adjust our lifestyles on a daily basis. By doing so, we all can truly enjoy and reap the benefits of sustainable living. “Sustainabilty means rethinking the way that we live for future generations without compromising the needs of the present,” said Shauna Lawyer Struby, former President of Sustainable OKC, a local chapter of the Oklahoma Sustainability Network. “It’s so important that we start better managing our resources now.” Struby believes that if we understand what it means to be sustainable, we can better evaluate how to incorporate green living into our lifestyle. “I think it’s important to first take the time to start understanding where your interests are and what you would like to commit to. Ask yourself, ‘Where in my life can I begin to make wiser decisions to reduce my carbon footprint? What can my family start doing together to have less of an impact?’”

Green Your Home The best and most natural place to reduce your carbon footprint is in your home, where little tweaks, such as consistent recycling, buying in bulk and reusing as much as possible, can make a big difference over time. To conserve energy, Struby suggests that a simple way to get the ball rolling is to replace light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and unplug small appliances when they aren’t in use. “Everything that is plugged into an electrical outlet, even when not in use—microwaves, lamps, cell phone chargers, printers—uses what is called ‘ghost energy.’ Although they’re not technically on, they still drain and waste energy. Using power strips helps to turn multiple small appliances on and off with the least amount of hassle.” For those willing and ready to dive deeper into the green movement, home gardening, composting and making the switch to more energy efficient appliances are all investments that produce long-term benefits for the planet, your family and your wallet. 26

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Paper or Plastic? Neither! When you go shopping, try to avoid single-use paper and plastic bags. Sturdy, reusable bags may be found at very reasonable price points, often near the checkout stands. If you can't avoid using the store's bags, be sure to reuse or recycle them when finished. “This is one of the most difficult things for most people to remember to do, but it really is one of the easiest—and biggest. The number of plastic bags that Americans go through annually, roughly around 330 billion, is astronomical,” Struby says. “These plastic bags are made of crude oil, natural gas and other petrochemical derivatives, and it takes 12 million barrels of oil to produce the number that Americans go through in just one year. After you’ve made it a habit to reuse and recycle your bags regularly, the difference you make in cutting back on consumption over time is very significant.” Waste reduction is not only beneficial to the environment, it’s beneficial to our wallets, since the billions of tons of waste we are producing ultimately costs us more money in the long run. “Tax payers pay for the costs of landfills and clean up. Every time we build a new landfill, we not only pay more money to build a new one, but we pay for new ways to deal with the old ones,” Struby adds.

Raising Green Babies Though the environmental effects of the billions of disposable diapers filling landfills each year are yet to be seen, cloth diapering is a sustainable investment making a comeback. As a family who works to keep a more earth-friendly home, Morgan Harris and her husband Graham didn’t like the idea of contributing more waste to landfills when they had their son, so they decided to give reusable cloth diapers a try. They say that once they realized how much money they saved, the investment to continue using them was an easy choice.

Easy Ways to “Green” Your Family:

“I think that with environmental concern having gone so mainstream, there are a lot of families like ours out there who are looking for more sustainable alternatives to disposable diapers for their children,” Morgan says.

•

“In the last ten years, significant advancements have made reusable diapers much more convenient and many are comparable to disposable diapers in their ease of use. Contemporary cloth diapers aren’t your grandmother’s cloth diapers—no more pins, plastic pants or toilet-dunking makes them an option for more families than ever before.”

•

• •

Inspired by the benefits of cloth diapering to both families and the environment, the Harris’ have since become the proprietors of the Green Bambino, Oklahoma City’s first retail store specializing in reusable cloth diapers. They also sell biodegradable detergents and environmentally sensitive and organic products. Harris says that although it can be easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the movement to “Go Green,” making the switch to earth-friendly options doesn’t have to be complicated. “You don’t have to overhaul your life—that’s not the point. Try to commit to things that are easily accessible to you,” she assures. “Start small and see where you can take it gradually—there’s always time for adjustments. Embracing sustainability forces us to be more conscious about our decisions and allows us to get creative—it can ultimately help us lead more enjoyable and fulfilling lives.”

Meika Yates Hines is a freelance writer in Oklahoma City. She works from home with her one-year-old son Jude, and is an avid believer in earth-conscious living. She has a BA in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.

First Person: Meika’s Green Story

• •

Reduce packaging. Buy bulk or concentrated products when you can. Choose reusable. Sturdy, washable utensils, tableware, cloth napkins and dishcloths can be used many times. Choose durable. Choose furniture, sports equipment, toys and tools that will stand the test of time. Reuse. Reuse newspaper, grocery sacks, boxes, shipping peanuts, and bubble wrap to ship packages. Recycle. Take car batteries, antifreeze, motor oil and other hazardous household chemicals such as cleaners and pesticides to participating recycling centers. These items can be dangerous and should never be put in your regular trash. In the OKC Metro, hazardous wastes may be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at 1621 S Portland. Visit OKC.gov/Services/ HH_Waste for details. Buy recycled. Many bottles, cans, cereal boxes, containers and cartons are made from recycled material. Compost. Food scraps and yard waste can become natural soil conditioners.

Environmentally-Friendly Websites • • •

Earth911.com: Local information on recycling and product stewardship that empowers consumers to act locally, live responsibly and contribute to sustainability. OKSustainability.org: The Oklahoma Sustainability Network home page, which views sustainability as encompassing equality, economics and the environment. NatureMoms.com: a vast online source of information for green living, including non-toxic cleaning products, natural medicines and organic foods.

When my husband and I discovered that we were going to be parents, we made the decision to make our home more eco-friendly, not just for our son’s arrival, but to establish a healthier living environment for all of us. We basically began working to reduce the overall amount of “stuff” we brought into the home, ranging from excess packaging and energy consumption to chemicals and hazardous waste. We started small, by making little adjustments to some of our routine habits—such as taking our own bags to buy groceries, paying closer attention to the contents of the food and household products we purchased, switching to CFL bulbs and removing shoes at the door to reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto the floors and improve the air quality. After a few months, we discovered how easy it can be to live “greener” and how good it feels, so we took it a few steps further. We saved up our money and invested in a contemporary cloth diapering system for our baby and an Energy Star washer and dryer. The money that we’ve saved from those two investments alone have been enough for us to plan ahead for more in the future. We are excited to work up to doing more over time.

Meika with son Jude and husband Taylor have adopted a greener lifestyle in their home.

Actively putting an extra effort to maintain a more sustainable lifestyle in areas that we can has been a fun, learning and very life-enriching experience for us! March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All Baby Books

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These softcover titles are chew-proof, ripproof, nontoxic and washable. Perfect picture books for babies from birth on up. Brightly colored pictures of birds, bugs and farm animals will keep kids engaged; small size and ease of cleaning will make these mom’s favorite.

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The Runaway Dinner by Allan Ahlberg, Illustrated by Bruce Ingman (Candlewick Press, softcover, $7.50) Banjo’s dinner decides it doesn’t want to be eaten, taking him on an adventure all over the town. A great story with lots of action that will engage reluctant readers.

Grades 3-6 Magic Handbooks (Card Tricks, Mind Tricks, Sleight of Hand, Coin and Rope Tricks) by Joe Fullman (Firefly books, softcover, $6.95 each) Kids love magic, and this series of books engages that love with a peek behind a plethora of different magic tricks. Parents, prepare yourself for magic shows as your children dazzle you with the tricks they learn in this fun series of books. Find more book reviews at

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

(Firefly Books, hardcover, $19.95) Simple, plain-English explanations for 100 key concepts in modern science includes background on genetics, physics and mathematics. Geared for teens, this gives readers an understandable introduction to complicated theories, and offers parents a valuable resource for helping with those tough homework questions.

Books for Adults How to Sew a Button by Erin Bried (Ballantine Books, softcover, $15) It’s a high-tech world, but some skills (like sewing a button or properly folding fitted sheets) are still important skills. This indispensible handbook is a must-read for every modern mom (and dad). Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power By Holly Engel-Smothers and Susan M. Heim (Great Potential Press, softcover, $15.95) As parents, we all want our babies to grow up to be the best they can be. This book breaks down your baby’s developmental steps and provides different options that parents can use at each stage to help their child grow strong. Includes background information, action items and an extensive list of references to find more information. Tweet This! Twitter for Business By Jessica Miller-Merrell (The P3 Press, softcover, $19.95) Local businesswoman and social networking advocate Miller-Merrell provides helpful and practical information for using social networking applications like Twitter to grow your business. A must-have for small business owners!

IS YOUR CHILD HAPPY IN SCHOOL? Every child deserves the chance to reach his or her potential. As America’s largest online education provider for grades K through 12, that’s what we do best. Our flexible program is proven to work for children who aren’t thriving in a traditional school. K12’s award-winning curriculum is individualized to bring learning alive, one child at a time. Every subject is delivered online, with hands-on activities, plus books and support from expert teachers. We help kids realize that what they understand is colored by what they learn. That to see the beauty of an equation, or a line of poetry, or art made with their own hands, is to see beauty in their future.

when kids get into learning, learning gets into them. K12 schooling options include: • Full-time, tuition-free public schooling in many states, including an Advanced Learner Program that challenges talented children • An accredited, online private school available worldwide • Over 185 individual courses including foreign languages, AP, and electives available for direct purchase For over a decade, K12 has helped tens of thousands of parents change the way their children are educated. Make this the year for your family.

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Act now for a full-time, tuition-free public school option! The K12 program is available in Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Virtual Academy, a full-time, tuition-free online public school option for students in grades 1-8 that offers licensed teachers, a supportive school community, and a range of extracurricular activities.

Join us at an upcoming event to learn more:

4 OKVA Discovery Day March 4 Science Museum of Oklahoma Find registration details and a full schedule of events, both in person and online, at K12.com/ok.

Is your child happy in school? We are now accepting enrollments for students in grades 1-8 for the 2010-2011 school year. But don’t wait—enrollment closes April 1! Visit K12.com/ok to enroll today.

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March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Dear Teacher Q&A With the Experts Spelling Can Be Improved Question: My son, a third-grader, has difficulty spelling. However, he does great on his weekly spelling tests—all “A” grades. Can you explain this? How can I help him? – No Speller

Answer: The words that children need to learn how to spell are the ones that they use in their daily writing. It is quite possible that the words your son is learning on the weekly spelling tests simply aren’t the ones he needs the most for his daily work. Have you investigated what words your son is misspelling on his assignments? There are probably a number of words that he consistently spells incorrectly. Work with his teacher in identifying this list of words. It would be great if a few of these words could be part of the weekly spelling test. If this isn’t possible, then you need to step up to the plate and help him learn these words. Here’s how you can do this. Select the 25 words that he misspells most often and work on them first. On Monday, test him on five

of these words. Then spell the words orally for him and have him write the ones he missed correctly. Once this is done, give him the same quiz again and have him correct any missed words. Follow the same steps on Wednesday and Friday. Work with five new words the next week and so on. After your son has worked with all 25 words, quiz him on all the words for a week as a review. Then quiz him again on these words in 10, 20 and 30 days. Hopefully, this will help him master these words, unless his spelling problems are related to a learning disability. Incidentally, the more your son reads, the more words he will see spelled correctly and begin to spell correctly. Plus, playing spelling word games (Boggle, Bananagrams and Scrabble) will give him additional practice in spelling words correctly.

Fostering Son’s Interest in Social Studies Question: This year our son, a fifthgrader, has become fascinated with what he is learning in social studies.

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He wants to know more. How can we help satisfy his curiosity? – Seeking More Knowledge

Answer: One thing that seems to guarantee success in school is developing a passion for a particular topic or subject. It’s great that your son has one. Learning about a passion turns into a win-win situation. What has been learned can be used later on as topics for speeches and reports. Plus, the more children learn, the wider the knowledge base they have to build upon when learning new material. There are so many things that can be done to enhance what your son is learning in school. Why don’t you read some stories at night to him that tie to his current social studies work? There are loads of books and short stories about historical figures and events. Depending on what he is studying, he could enjoy hearing about Lafayette, Paul Revere or President Kennedy, as well as events from Gettysburg to the Boston Tea Party to the Mayflower voyage. What's great about reading stories to him is that you would be sharing in his interest. There are several websites that offer virtual field trips to places like the rain forest, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Washington, D.C. He can easily search for places related to the topics that he is studying in school, and they will become far more meaningful to him. Furthermore, this is cost-free travel. This summer, your family could plan to visit historical sites while you are on vacation. Try to choose ones that are related to what he has studied this year in school or what he will study next year. Don’t forget about all the history in your community and state. Visits to museums, the capitol and historical re-enactments will further enhance his interest in social studies. Dear Teacher is written by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts. Do you have a question for them? Send it to dearteacher@dearteacher. om or visit DearTeacher.com.

Find more at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ dear-teacher

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Call 433-2092 11400 S. County Line Road 2.3 miles north of Waterloo Rd.

and visit us at:

www.catch-a-glimpse.com aN exciTiNg SuMMer educaTioN prograM For youTh

CHESS CAMP 14 Annual USA Chess National Summer th

Chess Camp Tour

USA Chess is the largest and premier summer chess camp organizer for children in the U.S. with more than 100 schools nationwide. Our staff is comprised of the finest children's chess instructors. Campers experience a fun filled week while learning the skills needed to play casual and/or competitive chess.

Spring Break Camp: March 15-19th, 2010 Heritage Hall School, Oklahoma City

Session I:

June 7-11th, 2010

Heritage Hall School • Oklahoma City

Session II:

July 19-23rd, 2010

Heritage Hall School • Oklahoma City

Tuition includes tee-shirt, trophy, chess board and pieces and much more.

• Beginners - Advanced Welcome! • Co-ed, ages 5-16 • Group & Sibling Discounts • Morning, Afternoon & All-day Sessions

Summer youth academy 2010 enrollment begins Thursday, april 15.

www.chesscamp.com 888•65•CHESS

I just created a video game! Enroll in person or by phone or online Over 100 classes for youth ages 9-16 www.mntechnology.com | 364.5763, ext.7260 Franklin road campus 4701 12th avenue NW Norman, oK 73069

Moore NorMaN TechNology ceNTer

Intro Video Game Creation

Spring Break Camp At Game Builder Creation Camp March 15-19 your child willactually design, develop and create a one of June 7-11 a kind video game. Heritage Hall, OKC We combine learning and 3D Animation Creation Camp fun and bring it to a whole new level. Enroll at June 7-11 gamebuildercamp.com/video.htm Heritage Hall, OKC 888.652.4377 Car Race Video Game Creation

June 7-11

Heritage Hall, OKC March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Quick Reference American Banjo Museum 9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC 604-2793, BanjoMuseum.org City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, CityArtsCenter.org

Sesame Street Live celebrates 30 years of touring productions, and the 100th tour comes to the Cox Convention Center from March 11-14 with “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends.” Sam the mail carrier on Sesame Street delivers a few postcards which inspire Elmo, Abby Cababby and Big Bird to use their imaginations to visit exciting locations. Showtimes for the production are Thursday, 7pm; Friday 10:30am and 7pm; Saturday 10:30am and 2pm; and Sunday 1pm and 4:30pm. Tickets start at $13, with specially-discounted tickets available for opening night. For ticketing information, call 602-8700 or visit Ticketmaster.com. Learn more about Sesame Street Live at their website, SesameStreetLive.com.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, EdmondFineArts.com Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, OklahomaHeritage.com Little River Zoo Hwy 9, Norman 366-7229, LittleRiverZoo.com Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC 297-3995, MyriadGardens.com National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC 478-2250, NationalCowboyMuseum.org

Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-FISH, OKAquarium.org OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC 236-3100, okcmoa.org OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, OklahomaCityNationalMemorial.org OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, OKCZoo.com Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, OklahomaChildrensTheatre.org Oklahoma History Center 2401 N Laird Ave, OKC 522-5248, OklahomaHistoryCenter.org Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-6664, ScienceMuseumOK.org

Do you have an event for our calendar?

Send an email to Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

The Tulsa Ballet brings “Sleeping Beauty” to life at Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall Friday and Saturday, April 2-3. Known as one of the most technically-challenging classical ballets, the Tulsa Ballet Company presents a skilled performance of this tale of revenge and unrelenting love. Choreographed by Marcello Angelini, this version features grand staging and sets with beautifully-crafted costumes. Adults and children alike will become enchanted with this tale. Performances will be held Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 2pm. For ticketing information, call 918-5967111. For information about the Oklahoma City Civic Center, visit OKCCivicCenter.org. Photo by Ralph Cole, courtesy of Tulsa Ballet.

March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Weekly Events

Dr, Edmond) Every Sunday, 1-6pm. Free face painting with paid admission or craft purchase. 340-7584, Unpluggits.com.

FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202. FREE Make & Take crafts at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC), 11am-3pm every Saturday. Ages 3 and up. 858-8778, LakeshoreLearning.com. FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) every Saturday, 10:15am. 8422900, FullCircleBooks.com.

Sunday Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center. Guided park tour and nature hike each Sunday 2:30pm. Reservations and a fee of $2 are required. 755-0676. FREE Storytimes at the Norman Library. For toddlers Monday and Thursday 9:30 am. For preschoolers Monday 10:30am, Tuesdays at 2pm. Family Storytime Tuesdays, 7pm. FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 10:30am. Activities for children ages 3-5 with adult held each Tuesday.

FREE The Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13. The “Gang” works on conservation projects in Martin Park Saturdays from 2-5pm throughout the school year. 755-0676.

Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) 4:30-8pm every Tuesday and Thursday. 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. For open play hours call 200-1691, JumpZoneParty.com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art. Saturdays, 1-4pm. Create art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, and special occasions. FREE with paid admission.

FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library, 6-8pm. For all ages. Held every Wednesday of the month.

Gymboree of Norman Family Arts Studio is held the third Saturday, 11am-noon. Arts & crafts for children 18 mos–5 years. $5 per child. Reservations required; 3078454, GymboreeClasses.com. Silly Sundays at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise

FREE Kid’s Zumba for children 8 and up at the Moore Public Library each Thursday at 4:30 pm. Preregistration required, 793-4349.

St. John’s Episcopal School and Child Development Program

Let us take your child from here to there! 5401 N. Brookline Oklahoma City, OK 73112

405-943-8583 www.stjohnsokc.com Financial Aid available upon request

Infants through 8th grade St. John’s is the WISE choice:

Worship, Instruction, Service and Enrichment

Make Money and Save Money with Kid’s Closet Connection! Join other area moms and sell your quality gently used children’s items and receive 70% on all items sold!

Oklahoma State Fair Park Expo Hall # 3 3001 General Pershing Blvd.

Always Free Admission 34

April 29th: 10:00 am- 8:00 pm Come Raidt Close April 30th: 10:00 am- 8:00 pm Our May 1st: Half Price Day 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Kids Closet Connection Consignment Sale Visit us at www.kidscloset.biz for more info

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

FREE Thursday Noon Tunes at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm. Free live music each Thursday. FREE StoryTime at Gymboree Penn Square, first Friday of every month, 10am. 842-7540. The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday and Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 and under. 359-7989, UCOJazzLab.com. Parents Night Out at Unpluggits Playstudio in Edmond every Friday, 6-10pm. Ages 4 and up. Evening includes crafts, pizza and organized playground games. $25. Reservations required. 340-7584, Unpluggits.com.

Ongoing Events Through March 5 Old MacDonald Had a Farm at the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, 11am. $5 children and students, $7 adults. The artwork of Sharon Burchett and Stuart Asprey is on display at the Firehouse Art Center, 444 S Flood, Norman. 292-9763, NormanFirehouse.com.

Through March 7 Celebrating Oklahoma! Photography Exhibit features the photography of Mike Klemme on display on the first floor of the State Capitol in the North Gallery. Daily from 8:30am-6pm.

Through March 26 I Am Very Proud to be Chickasaw at the GaylordPickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum features 24 original oil paintings of Chickasaw elders.

Through March 27 Function and Design Exhibit at [Artspace] at Untitled. Featuring the work of 46 local artisans who have created unique furnishings in six room settings for the home. 815-9995, ArtSpaceAtUntitled.org.

Through March 28 Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Grasslands from the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation at Shawnee's MabeeGerrer Museum of Art. 878-5300, mgmoa.org.

March 8-April 16 Grin and Win Photo Safari celebrating the opening of the new Children's Zoo at the OKC Zoo. Details on page 11.

MARCH S M T W T F S

March 29-May 18

sculpture and prints at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Acting Classes help students learn the process of acting and play production, including blocking, sets, costumes, scene study and an introduction to auditions. Ages 3-12. Mondays 11amnoon, Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm.

Through April 4 Grasslands & Waterways Exhibit featuring the art of Sapulpa painter Julie Miller is on display in the Governor’s Gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the State Capitol. Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm. 521-2931.

Through April 11 New Frontiers: Series for Contemporary Art at the OKC Museum of Art, an exhibit by Jason Peters titled Anti.Gravity.Material.Light.

Through May 2 Stories in Fiber and Clay: Baskets and Ceramics of the Southwest at Norman's Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features baskets and ceramics produced by Native Americans from the Southwest region.

Through May 9 Creative Eye: Selections from the Carol Beesley Collection of Photographs at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features works by many important figures in the history of modern photography.  Revisiting the New Deal: Government Patronage and Fine Art, 1933-1943 art exhibit featuring painting,

The Guitar: Art, Artists and Artisans exhibit at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Learn about the evolution of the guitar. Bonita wa Wa Calachaw Nunez: Selected Works on exhibit at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Through May 30 The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: 50 Words for 50 States on exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Metropolitan Library System mls.lib.ok.us Belle Isle, 5501 N Villa, 843-9601

March

Bethany, 3510 N Mueller, 789-8363

1 • Monday

Capitol Hill, 334 SW 26th, 634-6308

FREE Admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. WWE Monday Night Raw at the Ford Center, 7:15pm. Tickets $15 and up. 800-745-3000, OKFordCenter.com.

Choctaw, 2525 Muzzy, 390-8418 Del City, 4509 SE 15th, 672-1377 Downtown, 300 Park Ave, 231-8650 Edmond, 10 S Boulevard, 341-9282

2 • Tuesday

Midwest City, 8143 E Reno, 732-4828

Pianist Valery Kuleshov performs at OCCC Bruce Owen Theater, 7pm. Tickets $10 and up. OCCC.edu/ CAS.

Southern Oaks, 6900 S Walker, 631-4468

FREE Youth Arts Day will kickoff Youth Arts Month in Oklahoma, designed to bring attention to the importance of arts education in schools. 9-11am, 4th Floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball team

Ralph Ellison, 2000 NE 23rd, 424-1437 The Village, 10307 N Penn, 755-0710 Warr Acres, 5901 NW 63rd, 721-2616 Harrah, 1930 N Church Ave, 454-2001 Jones, 111 E Main, 399-5471 Luther, 310 NE 3rd, 277-9967 Nicoma Park, 2240 Overholser, 769-9452 Wright Library, 2101 Exchange, 235-5035

Pioneer Library System pls.lib.ok.us Jim Tolbert ’53, Owner, Full Circle Bookstore, Chairman, Dean McGee Eye Institute Daniela Rodriguez-Chavez, Casady Student, Class of 2019

Today I read to learn.

Casady School. Prepare to Succeed. 405.749.3214

/ casady.org

Financial aid available. Casady School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Tomorrow I encourage others to read. You might be aware of our academic prowess, or the pride and excitement at every one of our sporting events. You might be interested in our inspiring 80-acre campus or renowned art and drama program. But it doesn’t mean a thing unless our students grow and succeed. Before our students become leaders, we challenge their minds and build their spirit. It’s all by design. Ask any Casady student or graduate. They’re always well-prepared.

Blanchard, 300 N Main, 485-2275 McLoud, 133 N Main, 964-2960 Moore, 225 S Howard, 793-5100 Newcastle, 705 NW Tenth, 387-5076 Noble, 204 N 5th, 872-5713 Norman, 225 N Webster, 701-2600 Purcell, 919 N Ninth, 527-5546 Shawnee, 101 N Philadelphia, 275-6353 Tecumseh, 114 N Broadway, 598-5955

March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

takes on the Sacramento Kings at the Ford Center, 7pm. Tickets, NBA.com/Thunder. Other home games this month held 3/10, 12, 14, 22, 24, 26, and 28.

performed by Bass School singers and instrumentalists. 8pm, Bass Music Center, Oklahoma City University campus. okcu.edu/music/basscenter.

3-7

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum's Concert at the Cowboy features blues/acoustic entertainer Otis Watkins. 6-9pm (doors open 5:30pm). Other concerts held 3/12, 19.

2010 OKC Auto Show includes concept cars and 2011 models. $10, $4 ages 7-12, under age 6 FREE. Free HotWheels car to children on Saturday and Sunday, while supplies last. OKCAutoShow.org.

4 • Thursday Celebrate Character banquet fundraiser in the Gaylord Center at Oklahoma Christian University, 6:30pm. Guest speakers include Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson-Faram and Channel 9 News Anchor Robin Marsh. $25 per person; $35 per couple. EdmondCharacter.org/Upcoming/Celebrate-CharacterBanquet. Evening with a Curator: The Art and Music of Navajo Peyotism: Tradition and Innovation at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 7pm.

March 4-6 Singin’ in the Rain presented by Edmond North High School, Thursday and Friday, 7pm, Saturday, 2pm and 8pm. Tickets $10 adults, $7 student, seniors and children. 834-9546, ENHSMusicals.com.

5 • Friday FREE Poetry at Rose event features a reading by U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan, reception and book signing. 7pm, H.B. Atkinson Theatre at Rose State College. Limited seating, reservations requested, 736-0323. FREE Project 21: Music for the 21st Century spotlights premieres by OCU student composers,

John Mayer in concert at the Ford Center, 8pm. Tickets $45 and up. 800-745-3000, OKFordCenter.com.

5-6 FREE El Reno Arts Festival in downtown El Reno celebrates culture and history with live entertainment, fine arts, demonstration arts, children's activities and food. 823-0307, ElRenoTourism.org. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory presented by the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. Friday 7pm, Saturday 3pm and 7pm. $5. Sleep with the Sharks at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Sleepover In the aquarium includes activities, snacks, movies and more. Families welcome, kids 10-14 must be chaperoned. 6pm. $30 per person, $27 for members. Cinema Classics – The Music of John Williams and Friends includes selections from E.T., Saving Private Ryan, Amistad and Star Wars, featuring the OKC Philharmonic Pops Chorale and the Canterbury Youth Chorus. Civic Center Music Hall, 8-10pm. Tickets $12 and up. 842-5387 or okcphilharmonic.org.

5–7 FREE Home and Garden Show at Shawnee’s Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center features a variety of home and garden presenters (on Saturday) and numerous booth vendors. Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday

The Wrangler Timed Event Championship at the Lazy E arena features Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competition. $20 and up, children 10 and under FREE. 800-595-RIDE, LazyE.com.

5-12 Original Children's Consignment Sale, 10am-6pm, closed Sunday. Market Plaza at Rockwell and NW Expressway (next to Tuesday Morning).

6 • Saturday FREE Community Art Day at the Mabee-Gerrer Musuem of Art, 1-3pm. 878-5300, MGMOA.org. The 14th Annual Creek Classic 5K and 10K starts and finishes at Edmond's Deer Creek High School. Proceeds benefit the Deer Creek School District. Call 245-9618 or email ourunningirl@yahoo.com for details. 11th Annual Oklahoma Gardening School provides tips and techniques from the region's top gardening experts. Meinders Hall of Mirrors, Civic Center Music Hall 8:30am-3:30pm. $40, $30 for Myriad Gardens Foundation Members. International Adoption Seminar offered by Dillon International, Inc., addresses the needs and adjustments of newly adopted children and their adoptive families. 9:30am-4pm, Trinity Baptist Church, 801 N Peters, Norman. $145 couple, $110 per single adult. 329-0531 for information and registration. Webelos Scouts Workshop at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History fulfills the necessary requirements for the Forester Activity Badge. 10am-12:30pm and 1-3:30pm. $7 per scout. Preregistration required. At the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum's Saturdays for Kids Program, children (with accompanying adult) will create their own 3-string guitar and explore the current guitar-themed exhibit. 10am-noon.

Run the with

We’re looking for families who want to challenge themselves and take charge of their health.

Join our online community and learn steps you can take to get fit and eat better. Follow the training advice, get moving and take the challenge with us on April 11, 2010 to walk or run the RedBud Classic in Nichols Hills. There may even be fun surprises along the way!

It’s more fun together so sign up today at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/iron-moms 36

noon-4pm. ShawneeOK.org.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Norman Library Read and Ride Storytime on the bus, 11am-noon. Registration required by calling 701-2630, Bus fare of 50¢ per adult passenger required, children FREE. FREE The Okie Dokie Banjo Band at the American Banjo Museum, 3-5pm. 604-2793.

7 • Sunday Sunday Science Film Series “Ek Doctor Ki Maut (Death of a Doctor)” at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. 2pm. FREE with paid admission.

11-14 Sesame Street Live: 1-2-3-Imagine! at the Cox Convention Center. See page 33 for details.

12 • Friday

new pajamas and books to benefit the Pajama Program, which helps children in need. PajamaProgram.org.

Saturday at NW Optimist Center in OKC, 10am. Register, 420-1064 or IrishDanceOK.com.

An Evening With Ruthie Foster at the Sooner Theatre in Norman features a sizzling blend of blues, gospel, country, and folk music. 8pm. $35 and up. 321-9600, SoonerTheatre.org.

13 • Saturday

Children’s Zoo Grand Opening at the OKC Zoo. 9am5pm. See page 11 for details.

12-13

FREE Pajama Party with storytime, craft, and cookies hosted by the Midwest City/Del City MOMS club. Midwest City Library, 10am. Wear your PJs and donate

FREE Irish Dancing classes courtesy of OK Academy of Irish Dance. For ages 5 to adult, no experience necessary. Friday at DMC Dance in Midwest City, 5pm;

Spring Into Summer Arts & Crafts Show at the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater. 9am-5pm. 580-4552273. FREE Baby & Toddler Expo presented by The Children’s Hospital. Cox Convention Center, 9am-5pm. oumedicine.com/babyexpo.

Spring Break Camps

Spring Break is here, and so are the Spring Break Camps and activities! No matter your child's age or interest, the wide variety of activities in the Metro area will surely have something to offer you. Camp details are below; see page 33 for contact information where applicable.

March 14-19 FREE Secret Agent 23 Skidoo: Positive Hip Hop for Kids, held at various Metro Library locations throughout the week; visit website for details. Learn more about Agent 23 at SecretAgent23Skidoo.com.

March 15-17 Spring Break Basketball Camp at the Moore Community Center for boys and girls grades 6-12. 9am-noon. $50 per participant. Space is limited, call 793-5090 to register.

March 15-19 Did You Ever…Solve a Crime? CSI: SMO. Discover the secrets of crime scene investigation and become a detective during a week-long Spring Break Camp at Science Museum Oklahoma. 9am-4pm. Grades 1-3 and 4-6. $235 for non-members, $200 for members. Oklahoma Children’s Theatre offers a Spring Break adventure filled with magic and mystery! The Kingdom is in peril! The Dragons have kidnapped the princesses and stolen them away to an enchanted land filled with dancing and magic—can they be saved? $150, ages 5–12. 9 am-4pm (before and after care available). FREE Spring Break Vacation Bible School, "Saddle Ridge Ranch," 9am-noon. First Southern Baptist Church, 6400 S. Sooner, OKC. 723-1300; FirstSouthern.tv. Spring Break Camps at the City Arts Center include Art Around the World (Ages 5-7), Face in the Mirror (ages 5-7), See the Surreal (Ages 8-10), Story Quilts (Ages 11-13), Circuit Bending and Beyond (Ages 14-17), 9am-4pm. $150-$165. Spring Break Escape at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History engages the senses in

the culture and nature of Oklahoma! Daily comeand-go activities include art workshops, nature hikes, storytelling, scavenger hunt and more. 10am-4:30pm. FREE with museum admission, limited space for some activities. Full schedule of activities available online. Spring Break SeaCamp at the Oklahoma Aquarium is a week-long adventure for children in grades K-5. 9am4pm (before and after care available for an additional fee). $250 for nonmembers, $225 for members. Preregistration is required. Norman Parks & Recreation Spring Break Camp at the Irving Recreation Center will include activities, crafts, games, and movies for students in grades K-5. $105. 292-9774 or ci.norman.ok.us. City of Mustang Spring Break Mini Camp includes arts & crafts, games, rock wall climbing and trips to library. 7am-6pm daily. $90 for the week or $40 per day per child. Pre-registration required. 376-3411. City of Yukon Spring Break Camp, 9am-4pm for grades K-5 includes crafts, games and sports. Preregistration required. $75 within city limits ($85 outside) 354-8442. USA Chess Spring Break Camp at Heritage Hall. Coeds ages 5–16. Beginners through advanced. Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions. $250 for halfday and $400 for full-day sessions. Sibling discounts. ChessCamp.com. Video Game Creation Spring Break Camp at Heritage Hall. For ages 8-16 to design and program professional looking video games. Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions. $275 for half-day, $425 for full day sessions. GameBuildersCamp.com/video.htm. Jr. Zookeeper Spring Break Camp at Norman's Little River Zoo combines zookeeper work, animal handling and conservation activities, 10am-4pm. $129.

March 16, 18 FREE “MAD Science: Science in 1889” at the Edmond Historical Society are fun-filled adventures exploring how science has changed our lives since the land run. 2 pm, ages 6-12. Register, 340-0078 or EdmondHistory.org. Young Chefs Academy Spring Break Camp teaches kids to make spring and summer treats. 1-4pm, ages 6 and up (sibling discount available). $85. 285-5939.

March 16-19 Spring Break Day Camps at the OKC Zoo offer a variety of activities including Zoo tours, up-close animal visits, crafts and games. 9am-noon. Ages 4-11, $25 per child per day, $20 per child per day for members. Pre-enrollment required. Contemporary Art (ages 5-7) and Stop Motion Animation (ages 11-13) Camps at the OKC Museum of Art. 9am-4pm (Before and after care is available for an additional fee) $120 members, $130 nonmembers.

March 17-19 Spring Break Sewing Camps offered by the Oklahoma County OSU Extension Office. Morning sessions (9am-noon) and afternoon sessions (1-4pm). $35 plus supplies Ages 10 to 19. 713-1125 or oces. okstate.edu/oklahoma.

March 19-21 H.A.T. Spring Break Horse Mini-Camp at Camp E-Ko-Wah for Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma will introduce girls to caring for and raising horses. $45. Ages 11-17. 528-3535 or gswestok.org.

March 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

FREE The Crowded House, a play about being thankful for what we have, presented by the Edmond Home School Drama Club. Edmond Community Center, 5:30pm. Donations accepted. Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert/Jam Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame, 3925 SE 29th Street, Del City. 6:30pm, $6, $3 members, 12 and Under FREE. 249-1428.

to educate, entertain, inspire and awe. Tuesday 1pm and 3pm; Wednesday 11 am and 1 pm. FREE with paid admission.

fun making enrichment items to take home for your pets while learning more about the Zoo’s enrichment program.

18 • Thursday

Rhapsody in Blue presented by the OKC Philharmonic features pianist Orion Weiss. 8pm, Civic Center Music Hall. $12 and up. 842-5387, okcphilharmonic.org.

FREE Warm Season Vegetables seminar at the OK County OSU Extension Center, 1:30-3pm. 713-1125 to register.

13-21

19 • Friday

The Oklahoma Youth Expo Western Art Show at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum features the top award-winning entries from the art contest.

Scout Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium honors all youth organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, 4-H, FFA, etc. Members in uniform or showing membership card receive discounted admission of $7 for youth and $10 for one accompanying adult. Junior Biologist Badge available. 10am-6pm.

14 • Sunday

21 • Sunday Sunday Science Film Series “The Story of Louis Pasteur” at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. 2pm. FREE with paid admission.

22-27 Just Between Friends Children’s Consignment Sale, Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-6pm. Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. $2 admission on Monday only. okc.jbfsale.com.

Thunder Girls Jr. Dance Clinic open to girls and boys ages 5 and up. Participants learn dance choreography during the day and perform at halftime during the OKC Thunder vs. Utah Jazz game that evening. $50 per participant. 429-7756.

Movie Night at the Museum features a family movie in the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History’s Great Hall. Galleries open from 5:30-7pm, movie begins at 7pm. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 ages 6–17, under 5 FREE. Museum members receive $1 discount per ticket.

24 • Wednesday

Sunday Science Film Series “Gattaca” at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. 2pm. FREE with paid admission.

Bright Night of Flight! at Science Museum Oklahoma is an adventure into the world of flight. Build and launch rockets and aerodynamic paper airplanes. Friday 6pm to Saturday 8:30am. $45 per participant, 1 adult required for every 6 children.

25 • Thursday

16 • Tuesday Tuesdays at Sundown lecture at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum features Mark Gardner, curator of the music-themed exhibit "The Power of Music." 6:30-7:30pm.

16-17

“It’s All About Birds” at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History includes live, trained birds in an exciting, theme-park-type experience designed

20 • Saturday 4th Annual Iron Thistle Scottish Heritage Festival and Highland Games at the Kirkpatrick Family Farms in Yukon features pipe bands, dancers, clans, vendors and food. $8, $3 ages 6-12, 5 and younger FREE. uscoscots.org. Pet Enrichment Day at the OKC Zoo, 11am-3pm. Have

23rd Annual Chefs’ Feast benefitting the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Food 4 Kids backpack program. Ticket, 604-7109.

Taste of Yukon is a delicious food extravaganza at the Robertson Activity Center. 5:30-7:30pm. CityOfYukon. gov.

26 • Friday FREE Chickasha Springfest at the Grady County Fairgrounds features vendors, games, gardening supplies, exhibitions, and educational seminars and inflatables for kids. 9am-6pm. 224-0787, ChickashaChamber.com.

Save the Date for Oklahoma’s Premiere Family Event! MetroFamily presents

April 18, 2010 Sheraton Hotel Downtown The perfect event to plan your family’s best summer ever including information about children’s programs, family activities and Oklahoma tourism destinations.

Booth Vendors • Entertainment • Demonstrations Giveaways • and plenty of hands-on FUN for the kids! sponsored by

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com March 2010

Booth space available. Contact us today for more information. 405.340.1404 or Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Our Body & Soul listing of support groups may now be found on our website, MetroFamilyMagazine. com/Support-Groups. There are as many support groups in the Metro area as there are needs for them. To include your group in our listing, please email details to Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

Family Night Out at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History will explore “Hunters of the Sky.” One adult for every two children is requested. 6-8:30pm. Space is limited, pre-register $12 per person ($10 members) includes craft project and dinner.

26-28 FREE The 34th Annual Medieval Fair in Norman's Reaves Park relives the Middle Ages with arts and crafts, food, games, jousting tournaments, human chess games, costume contests and more. 10am-7pm. MedievalFair.org. Side By Side By Sondheim at the Sooner Theatre in Norman features the music of Stephen Sondheim from

such shows as A Little Night Music and West Side Story 8pm. $25 and up. 321-9600, SoonerTheatre.org. Easter Activities including Easter Egg Hunts and other family events are held throughout the Metro, typically the weekends of March 27-28 (Palm Sunday weekend) and April 3-4 (Easter weekend). Find a comprehensive list of these events (starting March 15) at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/easter-activities.

OK Tumblebus... A Gym on Wheels

Party Guide No matter what the time of year or occasion, check out this NEW section of MetroFamily for the best party-planning choices in the area. We make it easy! To find out how your party business can be included, contact us TODAY at 405-340-1404 or Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

Bring some “magic” to your child’s party

A bus filled with lots of gymnastic equipment makes fitness fun! Servicing Daycares, Private Schools, Birthday Parties & Special Events

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Classified Listings Perfect for small businesses. Find out more and purchase at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/classifieds. AWESOME LASER TAG! Anywhereanytime. We come to you. Parties, sport teams, church groups. Any & all events. Ages 8 to 80. Very affordable. www.mobilelaserforces.com 405-259-9300 Epiphany Consignment Boutique Go green and make extra money! Place your gently used clothing and household items with us. (405)634-8147 8960 S. Western (Beside Chelinos)

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31 • Wednesday

Cub Scout Workshops at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History for Tiger Wolf and Bear Scouts to fulfill the necessary requirements for the Cub Scout Science Academic Belt Loop and Pin. 10am12:30pm and 1-3:30pm. $7 per scout. Pre-registration required.

FREE Eggstravaganza at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Free museum admission from 4-7pm, plus crafts, games and the annual egg hunt.

FREE 28th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Buck Thomas Park Football Fields in Moore. 10am 793-4332, cityofmoore.com. The Western Movie Marathon at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum includes features starring Roy Rogers and Gene Autry shown at 11am, double feature at 1pm. Free movies and popcorn with admission.

28 • Sunday Discovery Family Series–Storytime: Orchestrating an Adventure. Join Phil the Penguin, Maestro Joel Levine, and the OKC Philharmonic Orchestra to experience stories in the form of music. 1-3pm, Civic Center Music Hall. $9. 842-5387 or okcphilharmonic.org. The Inaugural Earlywine 5K Dash benefits Earlywine Elementary in Moore. 5K chip timed run and fun run/ walk. 2-5pm. Contact Mrs_Kilgore@yahoo.com.

30 • Tuesday MetroFamily’s Parent University features awardwinning author and speaker Dawn Billings presenting “Don’t Feed the Gimme Monster: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World.” 6:30-9pm at Science Museum Oklahoma. $20 per person, $15 each for two or more tickets ordered together. For details, see page 24. MetroFamilyMagazine.com/Parent-University.

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April 1 Klassy Kids Consignment Event features gently used children’s apparel and accessories. New City Shopping Center, I-35 and NW 12th Street in Moore. Open 9am daily. 413-1141 or klassykidzevent.com. Also held 4/3. Hippety Hoppers program at the OKC Zoo for twoyear-olds, includes live animal presentation, craft, songs and more. 10 am. $15 per child with accompanying adult ($12 members).

April 3 The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon at the Stillwater Community Center, 7:30pm. Enchantment Theatre Company’s latest play based on the picture books by Crockett Johnson. $8 and up. Recommended for grades PreK-6. 533-8433 or tickets.stillwater.org. Jazzy’s Egg Run, Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole. 11am. 382-0950 or jasminemoran.org. Easter on the Prairie at the Kirkpatrick Family Farm in Yukon, 11am or 1pm, 40,000 eggs in age-divided hunts. 354-3567 ext 290.

April 4 HOPabaloo at the OKC Zoo, 11am-3pm. Brunch with the Easter Bunny and activities including an egg hunt with prizes for kids 5 and under.

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Teaching Common Courtesies

they don’t look adults in the eye or speak to them, I usually hear something like “it’s too embarrassing” or, “I’ve always been told never to speak to strangers.”

n late 2009, Addy and I took a fencing class together. It was a four-week introductory course. Besides being fun, the instructors taught their students lessons in courtesy, such as how to greet others. This was my kind of place!

As an example, their brochure read: “Please say hi to one of the coaches when you arrive and let us know when you’re leaving by saying goodbye. In classes, introduce yourself to students you don’t know. And be sure to salute your class partner and salute and shake hands after every bout.” I wondered if courteous recognition was so lax among students the instructors felt compelled to spell it out for them? A few days after asking this question, I got my answer. I walked into a gift store. The door opened. Out of the store walked a female tween. She neither greeted me nor offered to hold the door. Call me crazy, but the lack of courtesy bothered me. What about what happens on elevators? A non-trained teen or tween waiting to enter the elevator usually means that I must wait for the youngster to board the elevator— minus a greeting—before I can exit. Hello? Observing this behavior has actually turned into a source of amusement for me while providing perfect “what-not-to-do” examples for my daughter. Something is wrong with this picture. And it’s up to us—the adults in their lives—to do something about it. I’d like to return to a world where fencing instructors didn’t feel compelled to spell out common courtesy in their brochure. Call me a dreamer.

Basketball Skills Basketball Teams Athlete Development Boys & Girls / Ages 4-18

There have been times—mainly when it’s a child I know—that I have talked to them about their inappropriate greeting or poor elevator boarding skills. When I ask why

More times than not, the child simply has not learned how to properly greet others, though for some, it really is about being shy or uncertain. Plus, I’m as guilty as the next parent. Yes, I constantly reminded my daughter “Don’t speak to strangers.” I probably repeated this mantra more than I asked her to follow the Golden Rule. Your child will reach a point in his or her life when he or she will need to possess the skill of proper greeting. By twelve-yearsold, your child needs to be on the way to mastering the art of greeting friends and strangers in their community. If you think your child is lagging behind, whether shy or under-instructed, there are ways that you can help. Have your child start where she is. If she is shy, accept it. Help her be okay with it, but explain that it is time to start building the “how-to-greet-others” muscle. If she’s overwhelmed at the idea of conversation with a stranger, encourage her to just smile and make eye contact. The older the child, the more difficult it will be for her to stop with only eye contact and a smile. Tell him he doesn’t have to be the conversation starter. He simply can stand there and answer questions. Explain also that being nervous while speaking to another person is okay. The more a person does this and makes small talk, the easier the task becomes. Being socially savvy will benefit your child for the rest of her life.

Allyn Evans (TheAlertParent.com) is a published author, professional speaker and consultant residing in Stillwater.

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